Like many Caribbean islands, Jamaica has a hurricane season that runs from June through November every year. Because of the hurricane season, you will find that prices for Jamaican getaways are lower during the months of May to December. Although the chances of Jamaica getting hit by a major hurricane are quite small, there are various tropical storms around this time of the year that affect Jamaica’s weather. During hurricane season, there is usually a lot of rain and wind along with strong disruptions in the normal weather pattern.
Like many Caribbean islands, Jamaica’s hurricane season officially lasts from June 1st to November 30th. The island is very well equipped with adequate warning systems and Jamaican officials take every precaution possible to ensure that everyone is safe and protected. If you are headed to Jamaica during the holiday season, make sure to take extra precautions.
If Jamaica is ever under a hurricane watch or warning, all airports in Jamaica will be closed and you will not be able to arrive by air to Jamaica. If a hurricane occurs while you’re in Jamaica, staying in your resort or villa may be your best option.
While no one can say you will or will not be hit by a hurricane during the period, odds are slim. You would have to be in Jamaica at the same time that a hurricane hits the Caribbean, and that hurricane has to pass through Jamaica rather than some other path. The odds aren’t perfect, but your chances of actually facing a hurricane in Jamaica are quite small. In the past 61 years, only 6 major hurricanes have hit Jamaica. This includes:
- 1951 Charlie, August 17
- 1963 Flora, October 5-7
- 1980 Allen, August 4-7
- 1988 Gilbert, September 12
- 2004 Ivan, September 10-11
- 2007 Dean, August 19
Many resorts in Jamaica offer Hurricane Protection guarantees. With most hurricane guarantees, the hotel, resort, or travel provider either gives guests full refunds, or allows guests to rebook their lost vacations within one year. Some of the hotel chains the offer this guarantee include Beaches, Breezes, Club Med, Franklyn D. Resort, and many more.
